Environment in the City of Ljubljana

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European Green Capital 2016

Green Capital of Europe 2016 1 Published by City of Ljubljana City Administration Department for Environmental Protection Zarnikova 3, Ljubljana November 2015

The Department for Environmental Protection is headed by Nataša Jazbinšek Seršen, Head of Department

Authors Zala Strojin Božič MSc, editor Helena Regina MSc Gorazd Maslo Marjana Jankovič Andrej Piltaver Svetlana Čermelj in cooperation with Public company Snaga Public company Vodovod - Kanalizacija (Brigita Jamnik, Ph.D.)

Photographs B. Čeak, Public company Snaga, N. Rovan, Public company Vodovod - Kanalizacija, D. Wedam, V. Kontić, O. Dolenc, A. Piltaver, K. Goljat, Archive of the Department for Environmental Protection, Archive Turizem Ljubljana, Anita Šimec Mav

Layout Rdeči oblak Number of copies printed: 1,500

CIP - Kataložni zapis o publikaciji Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica, Ljubljana

504.5(497.4Ljubljana)(047)

ENVIRONMENT in the City of Ljubljana : European green capital 2016 / [authors Zala Strojin Božič ... [et al.] ; photographs B. Čeak ... et al.]. - Ljubljana : City of Ljubljana, City Administration, Department for Environmental Protection, 2015

ISBN 978-961-6449-62-5 1. Strojin Božič, Zala 281783808

2 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Air Quality 4

Air Quality Measures 10 Contents

Water Quality 12

Drinking Water 12 Ground Water 14 Surface Waters 16 Waste Water 17 Water Quality Measures 19

Soil 20

Agricultural soil 20 Urban soil 23 Forest soil 24 Soil Quality Measures 25

Waste Treatment 26

Municipal waste 26 Illegal waste disposal sites 27 Waste Treatment Measures 28

Nature 30

Biodiversity 30 Invasive alien plant species 32 Nature Conservation Measures 34

Noise 36

Noise Reduction Measures 38

Environmental Action Programme 2014–2020 40

Green Capital of Europe 2016 3 1968 Establishment of Toplarna Ljubljana (Ljubljana CHP Air Quality plant). 1972 Start of operation of Šiška CHP plant. 1975 Adoption of the Air Quality Management Act. 1981 Adoption of the Ordinance on Air Quality Management in the Ljubljana Region. References to Ljubljana's air quality appear as 1991 First in a series of calls for early as the seventeenth century (in the top- tenders for the connection of ographical works of Merian and Valvasor). existing residential buildings Ljubljana's position in a basin results in poor to the district heating system. air circulation, which is reflected in the city's 1996 Adoption of the Order Prohibiting the Burning air quality. In the past this led to serious air of Zasavje coal at pollution, particularly during long winter in- Termoelektrarna Toplarna versions. Air quality management was therefore Ljubljana. one of the first major environmental issues to be 1999 Adoption of European addressed in Ljubljana. Council Directive 1999/30/ EC relating to limit values Air pollution levels in Ljubljana have been for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen measured continuously since 1968, when the dioxide and oxides of first monitoring station was set up in the city nitrogen, particulate matter centre to measure sulphur dioxide and smoke and lead in ambient air, levels. The start of measurements in the middle signalling the start of a new of 1967 more or less coincides with the start approach to the reduction of of operation of the combined heat and power air pollution. plant in Moste, which began delivering the first 2002 Adoption of the Decree on megawatts of electricity generated by cogenera- Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen tion to the network at the end of 1966. Moni- Oxides, Particulate Matter toring took place subsequently in a nearby park, and Lead in Ambient Air, at one of the stations belonging to the national introducing stricter norms automatic air pollution monitoring network regarding air pollution and (ANAS). transposing the content of the European Directive in its In September 2001 the City of Ljubljana entirety. temporarily set up its own air pollution moni- 2005 Start of regular toring station on the pedestrian plaza in front measurements of PM 10 of Figovec (a historic city-centre restaurant), as particles at Ljubljana Center part of the "Car-Free Day" initiative. Monitor- monitoring station. ing continued in this location until October 2008 Adoption of the 2009, at which point the station was moved to Environmental Action a permanent location at the junction of Tivolska Programme for the City of Cesta and Vošnjakova Ulica, where it has been Ljubljana (2007–2013), where measuring air pollution as the Ljubljana Center the improvement of air quality monitoring station since November 2009. serves as one of the city’s strategic objectives. Today this monitoring station is used to mon- 2008 Start of the Civitas Elan itor air pollution caused by traffic in the city project. centre, while also measuring noise and meteoro- 2014 Adoption of the Ordinance on logical parameters. There is another monitoring Air Quality Plan for the City of site in Bežigrad, which is located outside the Ljubljana. 2015 Adoption of the detailed impact of major local pollution sources and acts programme of measures as benchmark for the situation in the broader under the Ordinance on the city environment (Ljubljana Bežigrad monitor- Air Quality Plan for the City of ing station). Ljubljana 2014–2016.

4 Green Capital of Europe 2016 In Ljubljana we have a 46-year data set for sulphur dioxide pollution is no longer a problem. phur dioxide pollution, an 11-year data set for This is largely due to the gradual transition to „ nitrogen dioxide pollution and a 9-year data set the district heating system and gas network, the Sulphur dioxide pollution is no longer for PM10 pollution in Ljubljana city centre. replacement of individual local boiler houses burning coal and fuel oil, and the abolition of a problem. Sulphur dioxide individual solid-fuel furnaces. Ljubljana bid a Sulphur dioxide is produced by the combustion definitive farewell to excessive sulphur dioxide of coal and liquid fuels containing sulphur. air pollution by using coal containing less sul- Although coal is still the main energy source for phur, which continues to be used today. electricity and heat production in Ljubljana, sul-

Average annual sulphur dioxide levels in Ljubljana (µg/m3) 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Green Capital of Europe 2016 5 Nitrogen oxides and nitrogen dioxide in urban areas are traffic, individual furnaces and

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are generated in thermal power plants. No instances of excessive high-temperature combustion processes through hourly concentrations of nitrogen dioxide have the creation of nitrogen–oxygen bonds. Exhaust been recorded at the Ljubljana Center monitor- gases contain a high level of nitrogen monox- ing station for several years. At the annual level ide (NO), which rapidly oxidises into nitrogen we succeeded in bringing concentrations below 3 dioxide (NO2) in the atmosphere. The oxidation the limit value of 40 µg/m for the first time in rate of nitrogen monoxide from traffic into 2014. The levels of nitrogen oxide pollution at higher oxides increases with the distance from the Ljubljana Bežigrad monitoring station are the source. The main sources of nitrogen oxides well below the limit value.

Average nitrogen dioxide levels (Ljubljana Bežigrad, µg/m3) 40

20 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Average nitrogen dioxide levels (Ljubljana Center, µg/m3) 80

30 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

6 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Monitoring station in the centre of the city intended for monitoring traffic pollution.

PM10 particles (resuspension). We have been regularly meas-

Air pollution is not only the result of harmful uring PM10 particulates at the Ljubljana Center gases, it is also caused by airborne particulate monitoring station since the end of 2005.

matter, which can affect human health. The The annual permitted concentration of PM10 3 finest particles, less than 10 µm (PM10, PM2.5) in particles is 40 µg/m , while the daily permit- size, are the most problematic. The smaller they ted concentration is 50 µg/m3. The number of are, the more damage they cause to our health. instances where both daily levels and the average Levels of particulate pollution are affected both annual level are exceeded is decreasing. In 2014 by emissions and by weather conditions. It is the annual concentration of particulates at the rainfall in particular that helps reduce partic- Ljubljana Center monitoring station fell below ulate pollution by washing particles out of the the permitted level for the first time. We also air and onto the ground, where they mix with achieved the lowest number of daily exceedances surface dust. If streets are not regularly cleaned, since measurements began, although the num- however, this dust can be lifted into the air ber of exceedances of daily levels is still above again by the wind, causing additional pollution the permitted level.

3 Average PM10 level and annual permitted daily exceedances (Ljubljana Center, µg/m ) 180 Exceedances

Average 140

120

0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

3 Average PM10 level and annual permitted daily exceedances (Ljubljana Bežigrad, µg/m ) 70

Exceedances 60 Average

10 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Green Capital of Europe 2016 7 Ozone chemically active atomic oxygen (O2-), which „ Tropospheric (ground level) ozone forms in the quickly bonds with other elements or molecules Tropospheric ozone atmosphere when temperatures are high and and has a powerful oxidising and corrosive is an atmospheric solar radiation is very intense. Ozone molecules effect. Ozone levels in Ljubljana are only pollutant. are very unstable and break down within a few measured at the Ljubljana Bežigrad monitoring

days into molecular oxygen (O2), which is a station. The annual permitted number of normal component of the atmosphere, and exceedances is 25 days.

Average annual ozone levels and number of exceedances of the 8-hour target level (Ljubljana Bežigrad, µg/m3) 50

20 Exceedances

Average 10

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

8 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Benzene lead additives. Emissions of hydrocarbons, Benzene, one of the most effective organic which are important precursors to ozone, have solvents in technological processes, was still fre- been significantly reduced by new refuelling quently used in numerous technical and chem- systems and the use of catalytic converters. The ical processes in the middle of the last century. recorded values at the Ljubljana Center moni- Following discovery of its harmful effects, it was toring station confirm the predominant impact substituted by other solvents. Today it is present of traffic, but there have been no exceedances of in fuels (petrol), where it has partially replaced permitted level.

Average annual benzene levels (Ljubljana Center, µg/m3)

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Average annual benzene levels (Ljubljana Bežigrad, µg/m3) 2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Green Capital of Europe 2016 9 Air Quality Measures

Urban Ecological Zone 10% limit value referred to by EU Directive In 2007 we established an ecological zone in the 2004/8/EC. Cogeneration using wood biomass city centre, which is closed to all motorised traf- contributes around 40% of green electricity fic. Today the area covers more than 30 city stre- in Slovenia and accounts for nearly half of ets or 79,671 m2. Access to the ecological zone heat production in district heating systems in is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists, with the Slovenia. In the City of Ljubljana there is also a exception of deliveries between 9.00 am and supporting energy facility, the Šiška CHP plant, 11.00 am. This measure has increased pedestrian which is also a high-efficient producer of heat areas by 550%. Four "Kavalir" electric vehicles and electricity. are available to transport pedestrians around the zone free of charge. On average they carry 300 passengers a day.

Within the ecological zone, the embankments along the Ljubljanica have been renovated and repurposed, and five new bridges have been built connecting all the key areas of the city centre. This has created a high-quality public space enabling full accessibility and shortening routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The City of Ljublja- na received the European Prize for Urban Public Space 2012 for this renovation and the establishment has also been promoted as an example

of good practice in the "Slovenia Reduces CO2" national project. District heating The improvement to Ljubljana's air quality is mostly a result of the use of ecologically more acceptable fuels in the city CHP plant Termo- elektrarna Toplarna Ljubljana and an intensive campaign to connect buildings to the district heating system. Today the City of Ljubljana has a well-developed district heating and natural gas distribution system, which provides heating for around 74% of dwellings. In terms of the accessibility of the district heating system, efficiency of the distribution network and sales figures, it is among the more advanced supply systems in Central Europe.

It is also highly energy efficient. Termoelektrarna Toplarna Ljubljana is the biggest, highly-efficient cogeneration facility in Slovenia, producing electricity and heat in cogeneration. Its main energy sources are coal and wood biomass. With existing coal technology it achieves a saving of over 18% of primary energy, which is above the

10 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Green Capital of Europe 2016 11 1991 Start of operation of the first phase of Ljubljana CTP. 1997 Start of groundwater quality monitoring. Water Quality 1998 Start of surface water quality monitoring. 2004 Adoption of the Waters Act transfers jurisdiction over water sources to the National level. 2004 Adoption of the Decree on the Water Protection Area for the Ljubljansko Polje aquifer. Ljubljana's natural drinking water is an irre- 2005 Start of operation of the second placeable and priceless asset, and a precious phase of Ljubljana CTP. legacy left to us by past generations. Global 2006 Adoption of the Decree on consumption of drinking water is increasing Drinking Water Supply. rapidly and a large portion of the population is 2006 Adoption of the Decree on already facing water shortages. The appropriate the Discharge and Treatment of Urban Waste Water and protection of water sources is therefore crucial. Meteoric Water. The water quality in the City of Ljubljana's 2007 Adoption of Environmental watercourses is mostly dependent on the water Action Programme for the level. When water levels are low and tempera- City of Ljubljana 2007–2014, tures are high, further deterioration to the water where ensuring the long-term quality can be caused by pollution from urban supply of natural drinking waste water, which is a source of phosphates, water is one of the city's strategic objectives. ammonium and other substances. An effective 2008 Construction of a drinking sewerage system is therefore a very important water supply and sewerage part of municipal infrastructure and helps the system with a biological city reduce human impacts on the environment. treatment plant on Šmarna It contributes to the safety and quality of the Gora (676 m). living environment and reduces risks that could 2008 Construction of a new threaten the health of the inhabitants. drinking water supply system with pumping station on the DRINKING WATER summit of Rožnik (394 m). 2008 Start of construction of a Ljubljana is one of the few capital cities in Eu- new sewerage network in the rope where its inhabitants are supplied with un- Rakova Jelša area. treated drinking water straight from the tap. The 2011 Start of operation of a waste underground water sources, which are located in water treatment plant from the immediate vicinity of the city and beneath the Barje non-hazardous waste landfill. it, belong to two different ecosystems: the 2011 Creation of the Cevko.si Ljubljansko Barje marshes (a Natura 2000 area) website, intended to educate, and the gravel plain of Ljubljansko Polje. Both entertain and raise awareness of these aquifers, which store large quantities of among children aged 6–10. groundwater, are fed by rivers and precipitation. 2012 Creation of the Drinking water in Ljubljana has a good calcium www.primavoda.si website, and magnesium content and a pleasant refresh- offering general information on water as well as interesting taste. This is a result of a constant temper- ing and interactive content. ature, a favourable level of oxygen dissolved in 2014 Adoption of new Decree on the water, and its microbiological purity. Drinking Water Supply in the City of Ljubljana. The drinking water supply system in the City 2014 Adoption of Environmental of Ljubljana consists of a central water supply Action Programme for the system and in suburban areas of smaller, local City of Ljubljana 2014–2020, where the long-term protec- water supply systems and private systems. tion of water sources is one of The water source for the central water supply the city's strategic objectives. system is supplied by five waterworks: Kleče, 2014 Introduction of obligatory Hrastje, Jarški Prod, Šentvid and Brest. The payments for emptying septic local water supply systems and private systems tanks. are fed by their own local water sources, mostly 2016 Construction of tertiary phase springs or wells. Unlike the central water supply of Ljubljana CTP and an increase of capacity to 550,000 PE. 12 Green Capital of Europe 2016 system, the water in the smaller water supply ammonium, nitrites and nitrates. Controls also systems is chlorinated. In the City of Ljubljana include periodic tests covering a wider range each inhabitant consumes between 115 and of parameters, such as metals and non-metals, 130 litres of drinking water per day, although pesticides and their metabolites, and volatile this figure increases to around 200 litres when hydrocarbons. industrial and other uses are taken into account. Opinion surveys show that Ljubljana's inhabit- The percentage of non-compliant samples taken ants are satisfied with the water supply system. from the central water supply is very low. On a scale from one to a maximum of five, they give it a rating of four. In 2010, in order to further enhance the saving of drinking water, the City Council adopted Drinking water sources in Ljubljana and the sur- the Ordinance on the Urban Master Plan of the rounding area are safeguarded by water protec- City of Ljubljana – Implementing Plan. The Ur- tion areas, in which all activities or development ban Master Plan determines that buildings with that might threaten the quality or quantity of a gross floor area of more than 1,500 2m must water from the sources are prohibited or limited. have a system for the collection, storage and use Activities are very strictly limited in the im- of rainwater. The users of processing water must mediate vicinity of waterworks and pumping use closed systems that recycle the consumed stations, while regulations become less stringent water, and the water losses in the water supply as the distance from them increases. Ljubljana's network must be reduced. Slovenia's largest drinking water contains no harmful microorgan- multi-purpose stadium, Stožice Centre, was isms or parasites at any stage of development. It built in 2010 and already has rainwater collec- is also free of substances that alone or in combi- tors that are used to irrigate the football pitch nation with other substances could be harmful and other green areas. to human health.

Drinking water compliance controls are conducted in accordance with drinking water supply legislation that requires the application of HACCP (an international food safety management system). Internal controls include the monitoring of microbiological, physical and chemical parameters. The basic method for determining the compliance and health suitability of drinking water is regular microbiological and physico-chemical testing. Testing covers a specific number of microorganisms and parameters such as colour, visible impurities, odour, tur- bidity, pH, conductivity, total organic carbon,

Regular microbiological testing of Ljubljana's central water supply system and ratio of non-compliant samples

Year No. of samples taken No. of non-compliant samples Non-compliance percentage 2010 2,235 33 1.5 2011 2,283 29 1.3 2012 2,258 34 1.5 2013 2,204 57 2.6 2014 2,311 87 3.8

Green Capital of Europe 2016 13 GROUNDWATER Nitrates We started to monitor groundwater quality in Nitrates are present in underground water 1997. The control measurements are designed mostly as a result of inappropriate and/or to monitor the quality of the groundwater from excessive fertilization and poor and/or, in some the Ljubljansko Polje and Ljubljansko Barje places, outdated sewage systems. Since 2009 the aquifers, which are the main sources of drink- permitted limit value of 50 mg/l has not been ing water for the city. Since 2008 groundwater exceeded at any monitoring site. A significant monitoring has been carried out at fourteen fall in average annual nitrate levels has been „ monitoring sites, which include six wells intend- recorded at the Brest IA well, while average Ljubljansko Polje and ed for the public drinking water supply system annual levels have also slightly decreased at the Ljubljansko Barje and eight boreholes. The testing includes phys- Jarški Prod III and Šentvid IIA monitoring sites. aquifers are the main ico-chemical parameters, mineral oils, halogen A decreasing trend has also been observed at the sources of drinking compounds, pesticides, halogenated hydrocar- Petrol monitoring site on Celovška Cesta. At water for the city. bons and chromium. other monitoring sites the average annual levels of nitrates are fluctuating, so no explicit increase or decrease trend can be determined.

Nitrates concentration (Kleče VIIIA and Hrastje IA, mg/l) 30 Hrastje IA

Kleče VIIIA

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

14 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Pesticides at other monitoring sites the levels are fluctuat- Pesticides and their metabolites appear in ing, so no explicit increase or decrease trend can groundwater usually as a result of unprofessional be determined. and excessive use in agriculture and in non-agricultural areas, such as public green areas, Chromium gardens and roads. In 2014 the permitted limit There has been a slight decreasing trend in the value for the sum of pesticides (0.5 µg/l) was not average annual levels of total chromium at the exceeded at any monitoring site. Since 2009 a Hrastje IA and Brest IA monitoring sites since decrease in the average annual levels of atrazine 2009. In 2014, the limit value for drinking and desethyl-atrazine has been determined at water (50 µg/l) was not exceeded at any mon- the Hrastje IA and Brest IA monitoring sites. In itoring site. At the other monitoring sites the 2014 the permitted limit value for atrazine was average annual levels of chromium are fluctuat- slightly exceeded only in a single sample from ing, so no explicit increase or decrease trend can the BŠV-1/99 borehole and Hrastje IA monitor- be determined. The hexavalent form of chromi- ing site, while desethyl-atrazine only exceeded um is present at the Hrastje IA well and at the limit values at the Brest IA monitoring site. The LMV-1 Mlekarne, BŠV-1/99 and Pincome 1/10 Brest IA well is not included in the central water Geološki Zavod boreholes. supply system. In the groundwater, the occa- sional appearance of metazachlor, metolachlor Chlorides ESA, metolachlor, propazine and bentazone at Chlorides appear in groundwater as a conse- low concentrations has also been detected. quence of winter salting of roads. The limit value for drinking water (250 mg/l) has not been Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons exceeded at any monitoring site. The regulation Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHH) are on Drinking Water ranks chlorides among mostly used in industry and handicrafts (dry indicator parameters whose limit values do not cleaner's shops, metal processing and the like) present a direct danger to human health. for degreasing. Tetrachloroethene, trichloro- ethene and trichloromethane are present at very low concentrations throughout the Ljubljansko Polje aquifer. The permitted limit value for the sum of VHH (10 µg/l) has not been exceeded at any monitoring site since 2009. There has been a significant drop in the sum of VHH concentration at the Hrastje IA well since 2009, while

Atrazine concentration (Kleče VIIIA and Hrastje IA, µg/l) 0.18

0.16 Hrastje IA 0.14 Kleče VIIIA

0.12

0.10

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Green Capital of Europe 2016 15 SURFACE WATERS from the Ljubljana CTP. Ammonium in the We have been monitoring surface water quality water was recorded after the confluence with the since 1998. The main purpose of the monitor- Mali Graben, but does not exceed the permit- ing is to determine water quality at places used ted levels. The Ljubljanica is characteristically for bathing − in the Ižica, Gradaščica, Mali affected by organic pollution, although condi- Graben, Ljubljanica and Sava watercourses. We tions have recently improved with the upgrade also monitor the impact of the Barje landfill of the sewerage system and the construction of on water quality in the Curnovec stream and new water treatment plants. Concentrations the Ljubljanica river. The monitoring of surface of microelements, detergents, phenols and watercourses includes physico-chemical parame- mineral oils are mostly at the detection limit ters, microelements in water and sediments, mi- of the measuring methods utilised. The results crobiological parameters and various pollutants of microbiological studies indicate a low level such as detergents, phenols and mineral oils. of new faecal contamination downstream of the discharge from the Ljubljana CTP and a The results of monitoring in the City of Lju- high level of contamination downstream from bljana show a significant improvement in water the confluence with the Mali Graben at Špica. quality in the Sava river, Ljubljanica river and With regard to the requirements of the Decree Gradaščica river upstream of Ljubljana, while on the Management of Bathing Water Quality, the condition of the Gradaščica before the point microbiological conditions upstream of Ljublja- where it joins the Ljubljanica is deteriorating. na are for the most part compliant. Endocrine There is too little data available to be able to disruptors have not been recorded, but various make a more accurate assessment of the trends. pharmaceutical substances (diclofenac, carba- mazepine, sulfamethoxazole, triclosan, caffeine, Sava paracetamol, theophylline and trimethoprim) The measured concentrations of ammonium, do occasionally appear in the water. nitrates, total organic carbon and biological oxygen demand do not indicate major pollution Gradaščica of the watercourse. Oxygen conditions in the Because concentrations of biodegradable organic Sava river are acceptable and so is the concentra- matter (carbon and nitrogen compounds) are tion of total phosphorus. Occasionally, excessive not exceeded, the oxygen conditions in the levels of mercury are recorded in the water. The water are acceptable. The watercourse becomes microbiological conditions in the watercourse polluted on its way through the city, as part of periodically satisfy the criteria for bathing water. the urban waste water is still discharged into Endocrine disruptors (4-nonylphenol) have it. This results in a high phosphorus content not been recorded, but various pharmaceutical overall. These levels exceed the permitted limit substances (caffeine, theophylline, triclosan and value of 0.2 mg/l before the confluence with trimethoprim) do occasionally appear in the the Ljubljanica, where increased concentrations water. of ammonium are also recorded. Occasionally, upstream of Ljubljana, excessive levels of mer- Ljubljanica cury are recorded in the water. Microbiological There are several watercourses that affect the conditions in the watercourse do not currently quality of the Ljubljanica river, with outflow satisfy the criteria for bathing water. from the Mali Graben having a particularly negative effect. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the river (which depends on the hydrological conditions and the amount of precipitation) is appropriate, except at the monitoring site downstream of the discharge

16 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Assessment of chemical status of surface watercourses

Watercourse Monitoring point 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sava before the Črnuče bridge good good good poor good good good good before the confluence with the Ljubljanica good good good poor good good good good Bezlanov Graben after the confluence with the good good good good good good good good Mali Graben Zalog after the CTP good good good poor good good good good Gradaščica before Ljubljana good good good poor good good good good before the confluence with the good good good poor good good good good Ljubljanica

Assessment of compliance with bathing water criteria

Water- Monitoring 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 course point occa- before the not not not sionally accept- accept- accept- not ac- Sava Črnuče accept- accept- accept- accept- able able able ceptable bridge able able able able before the occa- occa- confluence not not not sionally sionally not ac- not ac- not ac- Ljubljanica with the accept- accept- accept- accept- accept- ceptable ceptable ceptable Bezlanov able able able able able Graben after the occa- confluence not not not accept- sionally not ac- not ac- not ac- with accept- accept- acceptable accept- ceptable ceptable ceptable the Mali able able able able Graben not not not not Zalog after not ac- not ac- not ac- not ac- accept- accept- accept- accept- the CTP ceptable ceptable ceptable ceptable able able able able occa- not not not not before sionally not ac- not ac- not ac- Gradaščica accept- accept- accept- accept- Ljubljana accept- ceptable ceptable ceptable able able able able able before the occa- not not not not confluence sionally not ac- not ac- not ac- accept- accept- accept- accept- with the accept- ceptable ceptable ceptable able able able able Ljubljanica able

WASTE WATER The treatment and discharge of waste water in Once used, drinking water becomes urban waste the City of Ljubljana takes place via the central water and together with industrial wastewater sewerage system and three local sewerage sys- and stormwater finds its way into the public tems. At the end of 2014, 89% of households sewerage network. The water cycle can only be in City of Ljubljana area were connected to the properly completed when all the waste water is public sewerage system. If we take into account treated in a waste water treatment plant before all compact settlements of urban character, the being released back into the environment. number rises to 92.7%.

Green Capital of Europe 2016 17 The mysteries of the sewerage system lie hidden beneath the city streets.

The Ljubljana CWWTP (central waste water with low population density, where the con- treatment plant) is a combined mechanical/ struction of sewerage systems is not planned due biological treatment plant with a capacity of to the lack of profitability, small urban waste 360,000 PE and is designed to remove suspend- water treatment plants must be installed for new ed solids and carbon compounds and provide constructions. nitrification. It also treats the sludge from septic tanks and small urban waste water treatment The average age of the sewerage system in the plants. At present 82.8% of Ljubljana's house- City of Ljubljana is almost 40 years. The sew- holds are connected to the Ljubljana CWWTP, erage system is also affected by surface runoff, which is the largest in Slovenia and on average which has increased significantly over the past treats 80,000 m³ of waste water per day. Waste few decades, while the distribution of rainfall water treatment begins with the removal of sus- during the year has altered under the influence pended solids such as large particulates and fats. of climate change. Mechanical treatment is followed by biological treatment, which takes place in aeration tanks In 2014, around 20,000,000 m3 of urban waste using activated sludge made up of microor- water and industrial waste water was generated ganisms. The activated sludge is then separated in Ljubljana, with 62.4% attributed to house- from the purified water. The urban water cycle is holds, 22.6% to service activities and 15% to completed when purified water is released into industry. In the City of Ljubljana all industrial Ljubljanica river. wastewater is treated before being released into the environment. In 2014, urban waste wa- The treatment of the excess sludge formed ter treatment plants in the City of Ljubljana during the above processes involves anaerobic treated a total of 31,667,000 m3 of urban waste stabilisation in heated digesting plants, the me- water, industrial waste water and stormwater. chanical compacting, and drying to a dry matter By far the largest share of waste water (94.7% content of over 90%. As a result of the proper or 29,991,000 m3) was treated at the Ljubljana treatment, the dried excess sludge becomes CWWTP. a useful waste product. The biogas produced during the anaerobic process is used to dry the Urban waste water treatment plants operate in sludge and heat the digesting plants. accordance with EU guidelines and Slovenian legislation. Minor deviations are occasionally A small amount of urban waste water, the part recorded at the Brod WWTP, which is planned that is not connected to the central sewerage for closure after it is connected to the central system, is treated at local treatment plants as sewerage network. follows: 2.8% of inhabitants of the City of Lju- bljana are connected to the Brod WWTP, with a capacity of 5,800 PE, 0.4% to the Gameljne WWTP with a capacity of 1,500 PE and 2.8% to the Črnuče WWTP, with a capacity of 8,000 PE. All three local treatment plants provide secondary treatment of the waste water. In areas

Quantity of treated waste water and treatment effect at individual TPs in 2014

Ljubljana CWWTP Črnuče WWTP Brod WWTP Gameljne WWTP Quantity of treated waste water (m3/year) 29,991,000 810,000 753,000 113,000 Treatment effect – COD 94.2 93.5 83.2 97.7 Treatment effect – BOD5 97.7 95.2 86.7 97.8

18 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Water Quality Measures

Central treatment plant application. The water from the fountains is mo- The Ljubljana CWWTP (central waste water nitored and can therefore be completely trusted. treatment plant) is a combined mechanical/bio- Public drinking fountains do not serve only as logical treatment plant and is designed to remo- urban decorations, they also remind us of the ve suspended solids and carbon compounds and excellent quality of Ljubljana's drinking water. provide nitrification. The treatment of the excess The public drinking fountains transmit the sludge formed during the purification of water message that water is a natural resource which involves anaerobic stabilisation in heated dige- must be accessible to everyone. But it has its pri- sting plants and the mechanical condensation ce, and we must protect and respect it. The list and drying of the sludge to a dry matter content of active public drinking fountains is available of over 90%. As a result of the proper treatment, on the website of the public water management the dried excess sludge becomes a useful waste company. product. The biogas produced during the anaerobic process is used to dry the sludge and heat WATER project the digesting plants. The central element of the WATER project is the WATER exhibition, which presents the role of water in the past and present and the Preparations for the introduction of tertiary importance of preserving water for the future. phase of treatment are already under way. With Visitors can learn about the importance of water the implementation of the project we will: within the water cycle, ecology and the protecti- • increase the capacity of the Ljubljana on of drinking water in the experimental room CWWTP, which is necessary for the connecti- of the City Museum of Ljubljana, which will on of new users, also serve as a platform for various educational • complete construction of tertiary phase of programmes designed for nursery, primary and treatment facilities and secondary schools and families. • make the necessary adjustments to the existing equipment. The project also includes a specially designed "Museum Water" bottle, which aims to encou- The results of the monitoring indicate that the rage people to treat water with respect and care Ljubljana CWWTP does not cause excessive en- and protect it for the future. The bottle featu- vironmental pollution and that all the measured res the handprint of a villager from the Nuba levels of emissions into water and the atmosphe- Mountains, where access to drinking water is re are within the permitted limits. The results difficult. The imprint of the hand on the bottle also indicate that the technological processes at carries a symbolic message – that drinking water the treatment plant do not affect the quality of is a symbol of life and the essence of humanity's groundwater in the surrounding area. future, and that we must therefore always be aware of its preciousness and the fact that it is The Ljubljana CWWTP treats around 80,000 not available in abundance everywhere on our m3 of waste water per day. The design capacity planet. The Museum Water bottle can be bou- of the current treatment plant is 360,000 PE. ght at the City Museum of Ljubljana shop and selected locations around Ljubljana. Public drinking fountains In the hot summer days it is nice to refresh oneself with quality drinking water from the Ljubljana's fountains distributed all over the city centre and other parts of the city. The exact locations of the drinking fountains can also be located using the Tap Water Ljubljana mobile

Green Capital of Europe 2016 19 2001 Opening of the organic market in Pogačarjev Trg. Soil 2001 Start of agricultural soil fertility monitoring in water protection areas. 2002 Start of urban soil research (EU URBSOIL project). 2005 Start of agricultural soil contamination (pesticides and heavy metals) monitoring Soil is the result and source of numerous in- in water protection areas. teractions between the atmosphere, the hydro- 2008 Creation of an exemplary sphere, the lithosphere and the biosphere. It is urban garden layout in the a highly complex, variable and living medium. Dravlje and Štepanja Vas area. It performs numerous functions including food 2009 Adoption of the first production, the production of biomass and the ordinance on the regulation filtration and transformation of numerous sub- and rental of urban gardens stances, including water and carbon. It is also a and the rules for regulation of habitat, a gene bank and a source of mineral raw urban gardens in the City of materials. Last but not least, it makes numerous Ljubljana. human activities possible. 2009 Start of monitoring of soil contamination in playgrounds Agricultural soil of public nursery schools. We have been monitoring the fertility of 2012 Start of research of urban agricultural soil in water protection areas in the forest soil (EU EMONFUR City of Ljubljana since 2001. Monitoring is project). based on the periodic (four-year) sampling of 2013 Remediation of former agricultural land. Every year we test 60 locations military landfill and of agricultural land use, which means that 240 establishment of 50 new locations of agricultural land use are included urban gardens. in the four-year cycle of monitoring agricultural 2014 Adoption of Environmental soil fertility. The fertility of agricultural soil is Action Programme for the determined through chemical soil analysis. The City of Ljubljana 2014–2020, owners of the sampling locations are informed where food production in person of the results of the analysis and, if and local self-sufficiency necessary, recommendations on environmental represents one of city’s friendly fertilisation are written down. The four- strategic objectives. year soil sampling cycle allows us to very quickly 2015 Adoption of the City of detect changes in agricultural soil fertility. Ljubljana Rural Development Strategy for the 2014–2020 Another positive aspect of the monitoring is the Programming Period. regulation of fertilisation in greenhouses. For ex- 2015 Establishment of exemplary ample, the first few years of monitoring revealed public orchard. that the soil in greenhouses is over-fertilised. For 2016 Creation of 442 new urban this reason, since 2007 we have regularly mon- gardens in the Rakova Jelša itored the level of plant nutrients in the soil in area. selected greenhouses. During the growing season 2016 Implementation of Livada we also monitor the presence of nitrate nitrogen community urban space in the soil using soil nitrate "quick tests". (Green Surge project). The results of the monitoring show a significant improvement in the use of fertilisers in water protection areas. Farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of chemical soil analyses and consequently pay more attention to the results of the analyses and to fertilisation recommendations. They are also well informed about fertilisation restrictions on

20 Green Capital of Europe 2016 water protection areas. The decrease of nutrient Between 2005 and 2014 we analysed a total levels, particularly of nitrate nitrogen, in the soil of 183 agricultural soil samples. The presence „ indicates that the use of fertilisers has improved of PPP residues was recorded in 24% of all The results of considerably in recent years, even for greenhouse the spring samples and 26% of all the autumn monitoring show production, mostly due to the one-on-one coun- samples analysed. A total of 14 different active a significant selling and intensive education efforts focused substances were recorded in the spring soil improvement in the on the farmers. samples and 11 different active substances in the use of fertilisers in autumn soil samples. The concentrations of ac- water protection Since 2005 we have also been monitoring the tive substances recorded in the soil are very low. areas. level of contaminants in agricultural soil on wa- The majority were in fact below the detection ter protection areas. The aim of the research is to limit of the analytical method, which means determine the level of contamination with plant that the residue concentrations did not represent protection products (PPPs) and heavy metals, a risk for environmental pollution. All the active and then draw up guidelines or adapt existing substances detected are permitted in Slovenia guidelines for environmentally friendly farming. and are active substances that are frequently Selected soil samples are tested for the presence used in farming and gardening to protect plants of PPPs twice a year, once before the first appli- against weeds. cation of PPPs and once after the harvest. The heavy metal content is tested only once a year, after the harvest.

Nitrate nitrogen dynamics in greenhouse soil during the crop growing season (kg NO3-N/ha) 250

200

150

100

0 5.5.2011 19.5.2011 6.6.2011 20.6.2011 4.7.2011 18.7.2011 4.8.2011 18.8.2011 1.9.2011 15.9.2011

Green Capital of Europe 2016 21 Results of agricultural soil analysis

Year No. of No. of SPRING AUTUMN locations active PPP PPP No. of active PPP PPP No. of active substances residues residues substances residues residues substances analysed absent present found absent present found SPRING SPRING SPRING AUTUMN AUTUMN AUTUMN 2005 10 19 8 2 4 5 5 4 2006 21 24 13 8 4 14 7 3 2007 21 30 16 5 3 18 3 3 2008 21 35 17 4 4 18 3 4 2009 21 35 18 3 3 9 12 8 2010 17 35 13 4 4 13 4 3 2011 18 50 13 5 3 15 3 3 2012 18 50 14 4 5 16 2 2 2013 18 50 13 5 7 12 6 4 2014 18 50 14 4 4 15 3 2 Total 183 139 44 135 48

In addition to the presence of PPPs, we are also immediate vicinity (roads, etc.), since agricul- monitoring the presence of 11 heavy metals. Be- tural land in the City of Ljubljana extends deep tween 2005 and 2014, elevated concentrations into urban areas. It is very encouraging that, were recorded of five heavy metals. Increased from all the soil samples analysed, we recorded concentrations were most often recorded for only one instance where the critical level for a lead and mercury, followed by cadmium, zinc heavy metal (zinc) was exceeded. The reason for and copper. The increased concentrations of this was probably due to many years of using certain heavy metals in the soil can also be a composted livestock manure, which can contain result of the presence of pollution sources in the heavy metals (including zinc).

Heavy metals in the upper soil layer of agricultural land (2005-2014, mg/kg)

Heavy metal LV- WV- CV- No. of Distribution of soil samples limit warning critical samples LV not LV WV CV value value value analysed exceeded exceeded exceeded exceeded lead 85 100 530 183 174 3 6 0 mercury 0.8 2 10 183 174 8 1 0 cadmium 1 2 12 183 177 5 1 0 zinc 200 300 720 173 171 0 1 1 copper 60 100 300 183 182 0 1 0 arsenic 20 30 55 183 183 0 0 0 cobalt 20 50 240 183 183 0 0 0 chromium 6+ - - 25 183 183 0 0 0 total chromium 100 150 380 183 183 0 0 0 molybdenum 10 40 200 183 183 0 0 0 nickel 50 70 210 183 183 0 0 0

22 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Presence of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soil (mg/kg)

Heavy metal LV- WV- CV- No. of Distribution of soil samples limit warning critical samples LV not LV WV CV value value value analysed exceeded exceeded exceeded exceeded lead 85 100 530 130 34 52 44 0 zinc 200 300 720 130 103 22 5 0 copper 60 100 300 130 111 17 2 0 cadmium 1 2 12 130 116 13 1 0 total chromium 100 150 380 130 127 2 1 0 nickel 50 70 210 130 130 0 0 0 polycyclic aromatic 1 20 40 28 18 10 0 0 hydrocarbons

Urban soil been brought from elsewhere. Moreover, in both Analyses of urban soil in the City of Ljublja- cases, remediation was carried out and play- na indicate that soil in the centre of the city grounds are now safe for children's play. One is the most contaminated. Increased levels of of the potential sources of soil contamination contaminants also appear in places along roads was the past use of sand from the Mežica Valley and in industrial zones. There are no significant (the site of the Mežica lead and zinc mine) in differences between land use categories. playground sandpits.

The results of analyses of the content of selected heavy metals in soil indicate that soil is most often contaminated with lead, followed by zinc, copper, cadmium, and chromium. The limit im- mission value for nickel was not exceeded at any location. Increased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also recorded at a small number of monitoring sites, but the warning and critical levels were not exceeded at any of the sampling locations.

Due to the possibility of children ingesting dangerous substances (from dirty hands or by breathing in soil dust particulates), we have been monitoring the condition of the soil in the playgrounds at public nursery schools. The results of analyses of the soil quality in 49 of the 92 playgrounds of public nursery schools are similar to the results of the analyses of urban soil – the most contaminated soil is in the city centre. To date, we have recorded two instances of critical levels of heavy metals (zinc and lead) being exceeded in playground soil. In both cases, further analysis revealed that the contaminated soil had

Green Capital of Europe 2016 23 Forest represents one of the most sustainable areas in the City of Ljubljana.

Presence of heavy metals and organic substances in soil in playgrounds at public nursery schools at a depth of 0–10 cm (2002–2015, mg/kg)

Heavy metal LV- WV- CV- No. of Distribution of soil samples limit warning critical samples LV not LV WV CV value value value analysed exceeded exceeded exceeded exceeded zinc 200 300 720 70 47 14 8 1 lead 85 100 530 70 43 9 17 1 cadmium 1 2 12 70 58 7 5 0 copper 60 100 300 70 61 8 1 0 polycyclic aromatic 1 20 40 55 39 8 0 0 hydrocarbons mercury 0.8 2 10 35 34 1 0 0 total DDT/DDD/ 1 2 4 35 34 1 0 0 DDE nickel 50 70 210 55 55 0 0 0 total chromium 100 150 380 55 55 0 0 0 arsenic 20 30 55 35 35 0 0 0 cobalt 20 50 240 35 35 0 0 0 molybdenum 10 40 200 35 35 0 0 0 polychlorinated 0.2 0.6 1 35 35 0 0 0 biphenyls HCH compounds 0.1 2 4 35 35 0 0 0 total "drins" 0.1 2 4 35 35 0 0 0

Forest soil tion of organic matter is so rapid and intensive The forest soil influences the state of forests and that, in places, Oh is entirely absent. processes in forests, or more specifically, in the whole forest ecosystems. Since numerous plants, The level of the six analysed heavy metals (cad- animals, fungi and microorganisms live in or on mium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc) forest soil, it represents an essential part of the in the forest soil did not exceed the limit values forest itself. The soil in the Tivoli, Rožnik and according to Slovenian legislation. At only one Šišenski Hrib Nature Park has proved to be well sampling location was the concentration of lead conserved and unpolluted, representing one of above the critical value for potentially toxic sub- the most sustainable areas in Ljubljana. stances in soil. The location in question is close to an area that has served for several decades as a The quantity of organic carbon (Corg) in the car park for people visiting the nature park. urban forest soil declines with depth. In the mineral part of the soil, at a depth of 20 to 30 cm, there is 10 times less carbon than in the Oh subhorizon (the subhorizon of humified organic matter). This indicates that the floor is a carbon sink, although the storage of carbon in the organic subhorizons (Ol, Of and Oh) is much higher. In certain sections of the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Nature Park, the mineralisa-

24 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Soil Quality Measures

Urban gardens urban ecosystems. One of the challenges for the The primary purpose of urban gardening is to city’s sustainable development is closer coope- grow vegetables for one's own needs, while at ration with its inhabitants. In the period up to the city level it represents an important oppor- 2018, and in cooperation with young people, tunity to increase the level of self-sufficiency. we will establish a public green urban space in Producing food in small areas is also an extre- the Livada district, and at the same time explore mely important connecting activity, with strong whether this alternative form of management is potential for inter-generational cooperation and appropriate for public urban green space mana- increased social integration, in particular for gement. The Green Surge project will result in socially disadvantaged urban residents. the Livada community urban space, which will enable: The Urban Master Plan of the City of Ljubljana • the planning, establishment and use of a space – Implementing Plan identifies 46 ha of land suitable for its users – young people, that is suitable for the establishment of urban • a space where young people can actively spend gardens. The 23 potential areas were selected on their leisure time, with elements of the green the outskirts of urban complexes, with account economy, taken of the need for equal accessibility for all • a common social space for the planned Lju- residents. The Urban Master Plan also envisages bljana Youth Centres Network, the establishment of urban gardens in certain • the development of a healthy urban living residential areas or as an integral part of a major space, local production of high-quality food new park and sports/recreation areas. Temporary and promotion of the biocultural diversity of urban gardens may also be established in the the urban environment. locations where development projects will be carried out sometime in the future.

Due to high demand for urban gardens, which considerably exceeds the capacities available, private landowners are also encouraged to rent their non-cultivated land for urban garden purposes. The City of Ljubljana is helping these individuals, acting as an intermediary between owners offering non-cultivated agricultural land and people seeking to rent urban gardens, all in order to ensure that private urban gardens are regulated in accordance with the city's ordinance and in the public interest. This form of cooperation has now been established in almost all city districts. Livada community urban space Since 2013 we have been participating in the international Green Surge project, which is part of the 7th Green Cities Framework Programme. The City of Ljubljana's goal in this project is to establish an "Urban Learning Lab". The opening up of a space for public use not only prevents degradation, but also improves the quality of

Green Capital of Europe 2016 25 1987 Start of operation of the Barje non-hazardous waste landfill. Waste 1995 Start of operation of the gas-fired power station at the Barje non-hazardous waste landfill. Treatment 2004 Adoption of the Ordinance on the Collection and Transport of Municipal Solid Waste – implementation of separate While the amount of waste produced in the waste collection system. developed world continues to grow, there are 2008 Construction of first signs that attitudes towards it are changing. underground collection point Waste is no longer seen as something redundant in Ljubljana. that belongs only in increasingly full landfills, 2010 Adoption of the Ordinance but as a potential raw material. That is why on the Processing of Mixed advanced societies are increasingly redirecting it Municipal Waste and the to waste processing companies that use the most Disposal of Residues from advanced technologies. Every single inhabitant the Processing or Disposal of of the City of Ljubljana can and should play a Municipal Solid Waste. part in the process of transforming waste into 2011 Start of operation of the reusable raw materials in the City of Ljubljana first automatic rubbish modern waste collection, separation and pro- collector, a special container cessing system. with integrated compactor intended for the collection Municipal waste of residual mixed municipal The system for the collection and transport of waste. mixed municipal waste (residual waste) includes 2012 Adoption of the Ordinance on 99% inhabitants of the City of Ljubljana. Since the Collection and Transport 2008 we have been replacing ordinary contain- of Municipal Solid Waste. ers in the centre of Ljubljana with underground 2013 Start of operation of the collection points (there are currently 53 such Povšetova Reuse Centre. points), thus rationalising waste management 2013 Start of mechanical and improving the appearance of the city. processing of mixed Glass, packaging and paper can be deposited by municipal waste from anyone, while a card is required to deposit bio- households, small businesses degradable and residual waste (available free of and service activities. charge to all household users living in the area). 2013 Start of operation of a new service/warehouse facility In 2014 just over 85,500 tons of waste were with a green roof and solar collected in the City of Ljubljana, of which generator. 48,185 tons was separately collected from 2014 Adoption of the Development households (157 kg per inhabitant). The biggest Strategy for Waste share of separately collected waste from house- Management Activities in the holds is represented by biodegradable waste and City of Ljubljana 2014–2035. packaging, followed by paper and glass with 2014 Entry into the Zero Waste the smallest share. With the help of a "door-to- Europe network. door" separate waste collection system, we are 2016 Start of trial operation of collecting more and more waste and delivering it RCERO Ljubljana. for further processing or recycling.

The collection of separate fractions (paper, cardboard, packaging) is possible either at the user's home (household bins for packaging and, from 2013, also for paper) or at 2,628 collection points around the city, consisting of three colour-coded 1100-litre containers for paper and cardboard. The collection of residual waste

26 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Underground collection points. and biodegradable waste is provided by sepa- In 2014, after ten years of separate waste collec- rate containers/bins of different sizes. A single tion system, the quantity of separately collected collection point serves 117 inhabitants, which is fractions in the entire area covered by the public significantly more than legislative requirements. company Snaga, grew from 16 to 145 kilograms In 2014 26,956 tons of packaging (41.3%), per inhabitant (and to as much as 157 kg/in- paper (40.9%) and glass (17.8%) were collected habitant in Ljubljana). There has also been an in the City of Ljubljana and 21,230 tons (69.05 increase in material recovery, which amounted kg/inhabitant) of biodegradable waste. to 53.7% in 2014. With more than 63% of separately collected waste, Ljubljana now ranks The City of Ljubljana operates two collection among the leading cities in Europe. „ centres – the Barje Collection Centre and the With more than Povšetova Collection Centre – where residents The reduction in quantities of residual waste is 63% of separately can deposit numerous types of waste in more a consequence of more easily accessible infra- collected waste than 30 containers free of charge. The collection structure (door-to-door separate waste collection Ljubljana ranks centres also have a special section where items system) and very intensive communication among the leading that are still useful can be deposited. Still-useful activities by the public waste management cities in Europe. items such as clothes, footwear, furniture, kitch- company. enware, toys, etc. are taken over by the Reuse Centre, which ensures that old or damaged Illegal waste disposal sites items are given a second chance and find new In the past we carried out several mappings of owners. the locations of illegally waste disposal sites. The results of the mapping represent a source for a Small items of electrical/electronic equipment geo-information database of illegal waste dispos- and hazardous waste may also be deposited free al sites, which we update continuously. Through of charge at a mobile collection point that is the systematic removal of illegal deposited circulating around 18 locations in the City of waste, primarily construction waste and waste Ljubljana according to a predetermined timeta- containing asbestos, we have already cleaned up ble. A total of 130 tons of hazardous waste were the majority of the land owned by the City of collected from households in 2014. Ljubljana. Due to successful remediation of the disposal sites, the restriction and prevention of Removal of bulky waste is provided free of new ones and intensive communication activi- charge once a year for the inhabitants living in ties by the public waste management company, standalone housing and twice a year for inhab- the number of illegal waste disposal sites has itants living in a multi-apartment buildings. decreased markedly. Bulky waste removal must be ordered in advance via a special order form. Inhabitants can also deposit bulky waste free of charge at both collection centres. Collected bulky waste is carefully sorted, with still usable items being sent on for reuse and recycling.

Quantities of removed illegally deposited construction waste and waste containing asbestos from land owned by the City of Ljubljana (t)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total Construction waste - 21,481 50,210 12,420 700 453 85,264 Waste containing asbestos 170 296 70 12 18 23 589

Green Capital of Europe 2016 27 Waste Treatment Measures

Zero Waste Europe network artists, for example a shoe cupboard that used to In 2014 Ljubljana become the first capital in be a gaming machine. the EU's Zero Waste Europe network. The Zero Waste initiative stands for zero waste for RCERO Ljubljana dumping grounds and incinerators. That means The Ljubljana Regional Waste Management that the local community must first strengthen Centre (RCERO Ljubljana) is due to start oper- the first three priorities in waste management – ating at the end of 2015 and currently includes prevention, re-usage and recycling. One of the 37 municipalities. With a projected working city’s priority objectives for the new long-term life of 30 to 40 years, RCERO Ljubljana will strategy for 2014–2035 is to reduce the quan- provide a long-term waste management solution tities of waste and thus landfill. The objectives for almost 700,000 of Slovenia's inhabitants, or of the City of Ljubljana up to 2025 are: for one third of its total population. It is the biggest the share of separate waste collection to exceed Cohesion Fund project to date in Slovenia. 75%, for the annual quantity of residual mixed The "waste recovery factory", as the RCERO municipal waste to be reduced to 60 kg and for is better known, will use the most up-to-date less than 30 kg of waste per inhabitant to be and sustainable waste management technology deposited at landfill. in Europe and will also provide green jobs. The most important components of the regional Food waste centre are three facilities for the mechanical At the end of 2014 the public waste manage- and biological processing of biodegradable and ment company Snaga launched an initiative residual waste. called "Speak up against food waste", which includes waste containers that are "fed up" with our irresponsible behaviour, to draw attention to this problem and help inhabitants change their habits. Through various events and rubbish-bin protests, and by distributing free food storage containers, we are hoping to get the message across to the public along with tips on how to reduce food waste. At these events inhabitants are offered practical information on preparing shopping lists, planning menus, the proper ar- rangement of refrigerators, understanding food labels (expiry dates), and others. Reuse Centre The Reuse Centre has two missions. Its main purpose is to provide work for low-employabil- ity groups such as the elderly and the disabled, while on the other hand it offers a chance to reuse old, redundant or damaged items. The Reuse Centre is located at Povšetova 4 and was opened in 2013. It offers numerous items at a bargain price – from technical goods, furniture and clothing to a period analogue telephone, a leather armchair or an old radio. If you look more closely, you can find interesting items that have been repurposed by skilled craftsmen and

28 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Green Capital of Europe 2016 29 1972 Adoption of the Ordinance on the Protection of the Zajčja Nature Dobrava Nature Park. 1974 Adoption of the Ordinance Adopting the Land-Use Plan for the Area of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites Nature Park. 1984 Adoption of the Ordinance Proclaiming the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib a Site of The natural environment's influence on the City Natural Interest. of Ljubljana is significant and long-established. 1988 Adoption of the Ordinance The city developed on a flat area, as the settlers Designating the Path of avoided building on hilly areas and on the Memories and Comradeship riverside. Today, the quality of life in Ljubljana a Monument of National is high due to the typical interaction of the Importance. 2008 Adoption of the Decree on constructed and natural environment and the the Ljubljansko Barje Nature great diversity and easy accessibility of valuable Park. natural features. 2008 Adoption of the Environmental Action Biodiversity Programme for the City of Because urbanisation has largely taken place Ljubljana 2007–2014, where on the flat basin floor, slightly fewer non-forest the protection of nature and habitat types important for nature conservation green areas is one of the have survived in the area. There are, however, city’s strategic objectives. some conserved non-forest habitat types within 2010 Adoption of the Ordinance the City of Ljubljana that are important at the Proclaiming Special-Purpose Forests. European level. These include wet mesotrophic 2011 Start of removal of giant and eutrophic grassland, oligotrophic wet grass- hogweed (Heracleum land with purple moor grass, mesotrophic to mantegazzianum) from eutrophic cultivated meadows, central European land owned by the City of black alder and ash by running water, transition- Ljubljana. al wetlands, mat-grass swards and other types. 2012 Inventory of harmful plants of the genus Ambrosia in the Forest habitat types that are in a healthy state wider Ljubljana area. and whose conservation is important at the Eu- 2013 Start of removal of tree of ropean level include: central European acidophi- heaven (Ailanthus altissima) lus beech forests, lowland oak-hornbeam forests, from the Pod Turnom natural monument. thermophilic forests of mixed deciduous trees 2014 Adoption of the and red pine forests. Environmental Action Programme for the City Due to good conservation of the natural envi- of Ljubljana 2014–2020, ronment, around 20% of the land within the where protecting the natural City of Ljubljana is protected with natural en- environment is one of the vironment status (Natura 2000, ecological areas city’s strategic objectives. and protected areas). Natura 2000 areas cover 2015 Adoption of the Ordinance 13% of the entire area of the municipality. The on the Tivoli, Rožnik and largest Natura 2000 area in the municipality, the Šišenski Hrib Nature Park. Ljubljansko Barje wetland has also been declared 2015 Start of removal of invasive alien species from the as a Special Protection Area, a potential Site of protected Castle Hill area. Community Interest, an ecologically important 2016 Preparation of an action area and a protected nature park. Potential plan for eradication of the Natura 2000 areas in the City of Ljubljana are invasive alien species from Šmarna Gora, Rašica and areas along the Sava land owned by the City of River. There are also several locations within Ljubljana. the City of Ljubljana that have been declared as 2016 Drafting of a management ecologically important areas. plan for the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Nature Park.

30 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Map of Natura 2000 areas.

In the City of Ljubljana area you can visit The city's fourth protected landscape, the Lju- and enjoy four protected landscapes or nature bljansko Barje Nature Park, covering 135 km2, parks. Zajčja Dobrava is the oldest nature park was declared in 2008. It is the largest area of wet in Ljubljana. Its proclamation as a protected grassland in Slovenia, with a system of hedge- landscape enabled the preservation of an area of rows and forest, thicket and water-covered areas. native lowland forest that provides a green bar- Due to the extensive cultivation methods, high rier between residential and industrial areas and biodiversity has been maintained. The area is is a favourite recreation and rest spot for city also a special protection area for 25 bird species. inhabitants. The Polhov Gradec Dolomites were It is exceptional for its large number of natural proclaimed as a nature park more than thirty features (59), natural monuments (9), nature years ago. The protection regime has enabled the reserves (6) and for the presence of a large num- preservation of a sparsely inhabited landscape ber of endangered and internationally protected with exceptionally high biodiversity, including wild flora and fauna species (28), their habitats endemic species. and habitat types (7) and for being an area of numerous cultural assets and a mosaic land- The Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Nature scape, which is the result of the long coexistence Park lies right in the city centre. With more between humans and nature. than 1.7 million visitors each year it is also the most frequently visited area in Slovenia. The Forests not only have important influence on area is covered with natural forest and is home the city's climate, but also protect water sources to numerous species that are important in terms and prevent erosion. More than 46% of the of nature conservation and appear on the Red total area of the City of Ljubljana is covered List of endangered species. The recorded animal by native forest. In 2010 the City of Ljubljana species include three species of beetle protected declared almost 1,500 hectares of the forest as under the Habitats Directive. The populations special-purpose forest. The special-purpose for- of two of them, the European ground beetle ests have an extremely important social function (Carabus variolosus) and hermit beetle that must be considered when managing them. (Osmoderma eremita), have also proved to be important at the national level. A relatively small There are different ways of monitoring the but stable stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) population status of nature conservation, e.g. by invento- can be found on older oaks on the margins of rying animal and plant species, their habitats the park. Streams in the park are populated by and ecosystems. The monitoring of the status the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium), of nature conservation and control over it also which is listed in the Habitats Directive as a includes the monitoring of the status of habitat species of European importance, since it is types. In 2002, the City of Ljubljana finished critically endangered in some countries. This the first inventory of habitat types, covering 233 nature park is also a nesting area for two seriously km2. The inventory included 168 habitat types endangered species, the common redstart classified into 19 main types. An inventory of (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and the European green areas important from a conservation perspective woodpecker (Picus viridis). In the area of the followed in 2009 and by the nature conservation park it is still possible to observe the European evaluation of previously recorded highly rated pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Plant species non-forest habitat types in 2010. include the highly endangered bog arum or calla (Calla palustris) and three vulnerable species: the Birds are a good indicator of the state of nature common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Eleocharis conservation. The 2011 mapping of the birds of carniolica and the dogtooth violet (Erythronium Ljubljana detected the presence of 161 differ- dens-canis). ent bird species which confirms the sustainable development of the city. Of these species, 104

Green Capital of Europe 2016 31 Late spider orchid (Ophrys holosericea).

nest in the city and 97 winter here. We are that included the removal of invasive alien plant helping the birds by positioning nesting boxes species from the City of Ljubljana area. at different location in the municipality, i.e. in Tivoli Park, where we have installed boxes for numerous songbirds and for tawny owls and nesting boxes for the little owl in the Ljubljan- sko Barje wetland.

Invasive alien plant species The City of Ljubljana is also faced with the spread of invasive alien species. In recent years, most attention has been paid to the common ragweed (Ambrosia artemissifolia), mainly because it produces huge amounts of pollen in the autumn, thus afflicting millions of people who „ have allergies. Common ragweed is the only Around 20% of invasive alien species for which obligatory erad- land within the ication has been prescribed in Slovenia. In 2012 City of Ljubljana is we recorded 1,414 populations of ragweed in protected with natural publicly accessible locations across 163.76 km2 environment status. of mapping area. The densest populations and highest number of growths of ragweed in individual populations were recorded along railway lines and motorways. A total of 357 populations of ragweed were recorded on land owned by the City of Ljubljana and are regularly removed.

Since 2011 in cooperation with a non-profit organization, we have also been carrying out the eradication of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) from land owned by the City of Ljubljana. In Slovenia the plant is still limited to small number of growing sites. In the City of Ljubljana a larger population used to grow in the vicinity of the Botanical Garden. Since 2013 we have also been removing tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) from the Pod Turnom natural monument in the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Nature Park. The latest attempts of eradication are carried out on the Castle Hill area, which is protected as a cultural and historical monument and as a site of natural interest. There, we have also set up an "open-air laboratory", where we test different methods for removing Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica).

Between 2011 and 2015 we co-financed 19 projects of NGOs and non-profit organisations

32 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Green Capital of Europe 2016 33 Nature Conservation Measures

Protection of amphibians natural historical significance. The EU Habitats along Večna Pot road Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EC of 21 Each spring, amphibians begin their annual May 1992) lists this species among priority migration from their winter quarters to their protection species. spawning sites. The parts of the road where the number of killed amphibians is highest Improving the habitat of the are called “road mortality hotspots”. One such European pond turtle road with a high amphibian mortality rate is The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is also the Večna Pot road on the section along the only freshwater turtle native to Slovenia. the perimeter of Ljubljana Zoo. In order to Within the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib protect the amphibians, we set up a temporary Nature Park, the pond turtle is threatened protective fence each year in early spring and by the disappearance of suitable habitats due organise the transfer of amphibians across to urbanisation, traffic, inappropriate land the road and back again. More than 4,000 improvements, drainage, pollution and fishing amphibians were transported in the spring of (swallowed fish hooks). Non-native turtle 2015. The most numerous among them were species, which the owners leave in surface water the common toad (Bufo bufo), followed by the bodies when they become too big or they lose common frog (Rana temporaria) and the agile interest in them, are a particular problem. frog (Rana dalmatina). Therefore, in 2013 and 2014 we co-financed a project that resulted in the captivity of 28 non- Moor frog watch in Mestni native turtle species from Koseze Pond and the Log fishpond in the Tivoli Park, thereby reducing Very close to settlements in the Ljubljansko the competitive pressure on the European pond Barje area there lives a vital moor frog (Rana turtle. arvalis) population, which is on the Red List of endangered and rare species in Slovenia and is Conservation of bat also listed by the Habitats Directives as a strictly population protected species. Each spring at spawning time, The trees that grow in the city are not only we organise a frog watch in conjunction with important for the quality of life in the city itself, the Herpetological Society. At spawning time, they also offer a habitat for many animal species. the males take on their distinctive blue coat, Bats are among the most endangered fauna which attracts plenty of curious people and groups that frequently find refuge in the holes of photographers. However, any disturbance at mature trees. In 2009 we co-financed a project spawning time can seriously impact the vitality for the Slovenian Association for Bat Research of the population. and Conservation, which made an inventory of the bat species that live in the trees in the Conservation of the hermit city's parks. Slovenia is home to 28 species of beetle population bat, of which 6 species have been confirmed as The hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) is a living in trees in the very centre of Ljubljana: saproxylic species that lives in the wood mulch the soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus), of the trunks of old deciduous trees (usually Kuhl’s pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii), Nathusius’s oak, willow, beech, linden and ash). Since 2010 pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii), Savi’s pipistrelle the presence of the hermit beetle has been (Pipistrellus savii), common noctule (Nyctalus confirmed in numerous old horse chestnut noctula) and parti-coloured bat (Vespertilio trees in Tivoli Park. It is highly likely that murinus). All six species are on the Red List Tivoli Park is a type-site for the hermit beetle, of endangered animal species in Slovenia. The meaning that the species was first found and trees that provide appropriate shelter for bats are described here, which adds especially important generally older, so they may also be dangerous

34 Green Capital of Europe 2016 because of instability. An efficient measure to conserve the bat populations is the installation of bat boxes in the immediate vicinity of older trees that will have to be removed in the future due to safety reasons. Conservation of kestrel population The kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey that usually nests in rural areas and feeds on small mammals and birds. For a variety of reasons it is increasingly observed in urban areas. In Ljubljana, kestrels usually nest on high buildings or in old crow's nests in trees. In 2011 we co-financed a project where 15 permanent nesting sites were adapted to the nesting requirements of kestrels. Nine nesting boxes were installed on buildings belonging to primary and secondary schools, thereby facilitating the raising of public awareness. Improving the habitat of Chapman’s blue Chapman’s blue (Polyommatus thersites) is a butterfly that is found, in Slovenia, in the Haloze hill region and on the edge of the Karst. It appears on Slovenia's Red List as an endangered species. The dry grassland along the Sava between Tacen and Jarški Prod are the last refuge of this species in central Slovenia. The development of Chapman's blue is marked by the presence of the larval host plant sainfoin (Onobrychis spp.) which only thrives in unfertilised dry grassland with shallow soil. Such grassland is, however, disappearing as a result of overgrowth and intensive agricultural land use. With the aim of improving the habitat of this very rare butterfly, we have co-financed a project for the Society for the Research and Conservation of Butterflies of Slovenia. The Chapman's blue habitat along the Sava River is most at risk from overgrowth by woody and invasive plant species and from the illegal waste disposal sites. We are revitalising the habitat by removing the waste and clearing out the overgrowth.

Green Capital of Europe 2016 35 2002 Creation of the first map of spatial distribution of noise in Noise Ljubljana. 2003 Research conducted on impulse noise in the City of Ljubljana (church bell ringing, emptying waste containers, firecrackers and bus stops). 2008 Strategic noise map drawn up for Ljubljana, taking into Noise is the term attributed to an unpleasant account the guidelines of form of sound, the definition of which does the European environmental not depend on its volume or frequency. Too noise directive (Directive much noise affects our work, free time activities 2002/49/EC). and sleep. It can disturb or even prevent 2009 Adoption of the Order on communication, and can cause stress, chronic the Definition of Pedestrian tiredness and restlessness. Noise is a subjective Zones. category that influences the mood and health 2014 Revised version of the noise of people. Road traffic is the most significant map for the City of Ljubljana source of noise in cities. taking into account transport network with one million Today, different models are used for drawing vehicles or more for the cut- up a map of the spatial distribution of noise. off year of 2012. A quick overview of the situation can also be 2015 Drafting of the operational obtained by carrying out brief (ten-minute) programme for protection measurements at various locations at different against noise. times of day. In Ljubljana noise levels at the noisiest locations reached between 75 and 78 dB, while in the quietest parts of the city noise levels of between 45 and 50 dB were recorded.

The high levels of noise in the city centre, which sometimes exceed 65 dB, are usually the consequence of the high density of motorised traffic (vehicles braking hard, stopping and then moving off again). Certain public services are also a common source of noise in the city. We have recorded exceeded noise levels along major roads, and also in a narrow corridor along railway lines, as well as from point sources (production facilities, pubs and bars, event locations and sports grounds).

The map of the spatial distribution of noise in Ljubljana shows that one fifth of Ljubljana's inhabitants live in areas with excessive noise levels. On the other hand there are a number of quiet areas in the immediate city centre where noise levels are not elevated. These are areas within closed city blocks, areas that are exclusively residential and some more recently designed residential areas located further away from busy roads.

In Ljubljana 47% of inhabitants are exposed to noise levels exceeding 55 dBA. However, the percentage of those exposed to noise pollution exceeding 65 dBA is smaller in Ljubljana (14%)

36 Green Capital of Europe 2016 “Kavalir” electric vehicles do not generate any exhaust or noise. than in Europe (20%). Moreover, in Ljubljana there are fewer inhabitants affected by night noise above 55 dBA (14%) than in Europe (30%).

A comparison of data with the EU15 countries „ shows a similar situation. In Ljubljana a There are a number relatively large number of inhabitants are of quiet areas right in exposed to noise levels of between 55 and 65 the city centre where dBA, while significantly fewer are exposed to noise is not elevated. noise levels exceeding 65 dBA.

Comparison with noise pollution figures in the EU15

Noise level Inhabitants of Ljubljana EU15 Lden < 55 dBA 43% 68% Lden < 55–65 dBA 40% 19% Lden < 65–75 dBA 17% 11% Lden > 75 dBA 0.03% 2%

Noise pollution in a city or region depends on its specific geographical characteristics, in particular the location of major roads, and is given attention when determining the use of the land in question. Among the most effective measures for noise reduction are the establishment of urban ecological zones (closing the city centre to all motorised vehicles) and the redirection of transit traffic flows.

Green Capital of Europe 2016 37 Noise Reduction Measures

Urban Ecological Zone decrease in transit traffic on the city streets and In recent years the amount of public space re- means more useful space is made available for served for pedestrians and cyclists has increased the residents. Restricted speed (30 km/h) zones by 550%. Only non-motorised traffic is permit- within the City of Ljubljana now cover more ted within the ecological zone. The ecological than 2,000 hectares. zone therefore prides itself on its extremely low noise values (a reduction of 6 dBA), with the We are also establishing calming zones in the only noise created by the numerous pedestrians vicinity of primary schools and nursery schools. and cyclists. The establishment of the urban In these zones the speed is limited to 10 km/h, ecological zone has strong public support among mainly because children are allowed to play the inhabitants: in 2013 as many as 26.6% of in these areas. To date, these zones have been those surveyed identified the closure of the area established outside a fifth of all primary schools. to traffic as the most significant innovation in the city. Within the ecological zone four electric vehicles named "Kavalir" (“Cavalier”) are available to transport pedestrians free of charge. Sustainable Mobility Plan The new Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) emphasises the promotion of sustainable forms of mobility and the restriction of private motorised transport.

The SMP aims by 2015 to increase walking by 20%, cycling by 40% and bus journeys by 50%, and at the same time to reduce the number of car journeys by 20%. The aim by 2020 is to have improved the distribution of mobility – a third by public transport, a third by non- motorised means and a third by private vehicles. The aim of the plan is not merely to reduce emissions and noise pollution but, above all, to improve the quality of life in the city in the broadest sense of the term.

The most notable innovation in 2015 has been the establishment of "shared space" on Slovenska Cesta. Shared space is an urban design approach which seeks to minimize the segregation of pedestrians and vehicles. Once completed, Ljubljana became the first European capital to adopt this approach on the main road through its city centre. Traffic calming zones We are systematically introducing traffic calming zones (speed limit 30 km/h) and one-way traffic zones. The establishment of both results in a

38 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Green Capital of Europe 2016 39 Environmental Action Programme 2014-2020

The City of Ljubljana is already working on municipal and transport infrastructure. The achieving sustainable growth and a constant sustainable development should also be reflected improvement in quality of life, and will in health indicators for the municipality's continue its efforts in this regard. We intend to inhabitants, their levels of satisfaction and the achieve these objectives by continuously striving effective social integration of all demographic for a clean, safe and friendly environment for groups. all, and through efforts to conserve and establish new green spaces with unique biodiversity. We In the 2014–2020 period the City of Ljubljana are already implementing measures that will will ensure the realisation of four strategic enable future generations to live and develop objectives: in an ecologically suitable environment. We are • SO1: Long-term protection of water sources in implementing effective and sustainable measures the City of Ljubljana into our city administration and encourage • SO2: Protection of the natural environment in cooperation with individuals, organisations and the City of Ljubljana the national government. • SO3: Urban gardening and local self- sufficiency Ljubljana must be a city of satisfied inhabitants • SO4: The City of Ljubljana represents living in a healthy environment that offers them an example of good practice in terms of high-quality water, air and food. The city's integrating and promoting sustainable life and inhabitants must be aware of the importance of work in the municipality. protecting the environment and demonstrate this through responsible and careful behaviour. SO1: Long-term protection of water sources in the City of Ljubljana The sustainable development approach Without water there is no life, so access to good- integrated by the City of Ljubljana into its quality drinking water is of vital importance activities in all working areas is also reflected in to the municipality. For over 100 years the its budget priorities. City of Ljubljana has had the privilege of clean drinking water which needs no preliminary A strong environmental culture should be treatment. The Ljubljansko Polje aquifer is an evident at all levels and in all parts of the abundant source of drinking water, so the city municipality. The city environment must be well and its inhabitants must adopt and implement regulated and logically connected to its rural all the measures required to preserve this source hinterland. Traffic is regulated on a sustainable for the future. The defined objectives signify basis and the whole city should function a continuation and enhancement of the City with the help of sustainably designed energy, of Ljubljana's activities and measures from

Strategic objectives of the previous City of Ljubljana Environmental Action Programme (EPP) and the current EPP

SO1: The establishment of sustainable Sustainable Mobility Plan mobility system SO2: Energy efficiency and use of Sustainable Energy Action Plan renewable energy sources SO3: Secured long-term natural drinking SO1: Long-term protection of water sources in the City of water supply Ljubljana EPP 2007–2013 -- SO4: Protection of nature and green SO2: Protection of the natural environment in the City of areas Ljubljana SO3: Urban gardening and local self-sufficiency SO4: City of Ljubljana represents an example of a good practice in integrating and promoting a sustainable living

and working in the municipality EPP 2014–2020

40 Green Capital of Europe 2016 the 2007–2013 period (to secure a long-term opportunities for the municipality: by natural drinking water supply). encouraging and promoting the production of healthy food, we spread awareness of Operational objectives by 2020: healthy eating habits, the need for sustainable • OO1: to improve the quality of drinking water production, and help develop a market for all sources local producers. In this way, high-quality food • OO2: to strike a long-term balance between will become more accessible to the inhabitants groundwater withdrawal and recharge of the municipality, while the City of Ljubljana • OO3: to improve the ecological state of will effectively improve the use of its land, raise surface water in the City of Ljubljana area the level of social integration, strengthen social partnerships and increase the overall level of SO2: Protection of the natural environment connection between people. in the City of Ljubljana Biodiversity is one of the key indicators of Operational objectives by 2020: quality in the living environment. By protecting • OO1: to establish an integrated approach to the natural environment we also protect those ensure local self-sufficiency elements that are important for health and • OO2: to increase the amount of land suitable for agreeable conditions for life, business and for agricultural production and improve its development. The Environmental Action quality Programme 2014–2020 pursues the goals of the • OO3: to develop an efficient urban gardening new European strategy and, through its adopted network measures, contributes to the conservation of • OO4: to encourage and promote the biodiversity and the successful management of consumption of organic food protected natural areas in the City of Ljubljana. The defined objectives signify a continuation SO4: The City of Ljubljana represents and enhancement of the City of Ljubljana's an example of good practice in terms of activities and measures from the 2007–2013 integrating and promoting sustainable life period (to protect the nature and green areas). and work in the municipality. With the adoption of the first Environmental Operational objectives by 2020: Action Programme in 2007, sustainable • OO1: to conserve and improve the state of development also formally became one of the biodiversity City of Ljubljana's strategic priorities. Through • OO2: to establish a comprehensive system for the realisation of that programme, notable the effective management of natural features progress was made and valuable experience and protected areas gained. In the next planning period we aim to • OO3: to establish a comprehensive Green realise our vision of a successful and sustainably System for Ljubljana and its effective advanced European capital. For this reason, it is management vital that sustainable development is positioned at the core of the functioning and thinking of SO3: Urban gardening and local self- the city administration, and this also represents sufficiency a great opportunity for development. In this way Self-sufficiency is a pervasive topic at both the we will take the initiative in bringing together global and local levels. The conditions and the all the stakeholders in changing their habits and population's increasing need for a high-quality developing new, innovative approaches in order source of healthy food have underlined the to ensure the sustainable development of the urgent need to improve the City of Ljubljana's whole community. The city administration can capacity for self-sufficiency. Furthermore, this become a role model for innovative thinking area of interest is one of the key development and a partner that actively creates conditions

Green Capital of Europe 2016 41 Various stakeholders are involved in the preparation of the Programme.

and develops partnerships for the realisation of environmentally, economically and socially balanced projects.

Operational objectives by 2020: • OO1: to set up an effective system to monitor implementation of the EPP, activate and raise the awareness of stakeholders and change habits • OO2: to create a stimulating environment for the development of new green jobs and eco- innovations • OO3: to ensure that the city administration, public companies and public institutions become a role model for sustainable working.

42 Green Capital of Europe 2016 Green Capital of Europe 2016 43 Dear visitor,

Residents of Ljubljana – and the many visitors very best. Ljubljana's victory is proof that our to the city – agree that Ljubljana is a city that sustainable orientation and our joint efforts meets human needs. It retains the alluring are recognised and increasingly appreciated friendliness of a small town but at the same even outside our borders. time offers everything you would expect from a capital city: it is the political and cultural heart The publication you are holding contains of the Slovene nation, an important European a report on the state of the environment in centre of commerce and business, a major the City of Ljubljana and a summary of the conference and exhibition venue, the centre of Environmental Action Programme for the City Slovenia's scientific and academic life, and the of Ljubljana 2014–2020. The Environmental country's most important transport hub. Action Programme is a strategic document that takes as its starting point the present state of the At a ceremony held in Copenhagen on 24 June environment, sets realisable goals and defines 2014, Ljubljana was awarded the flattering title measures to achieve them. It is sustainably of European Green Capital 2016. The title of oriented and represents an essential basis for European Green Capital is awarded every year the spatial, economic and social development to a city with high environmental standards of the municipality. We believe that through and a commitment to ambitious targets of its implementation Ljubljana will continue to environmental improvement and sustainable occupy a place among advanced capital cities development. with a commitment to sustainable growth and a constant improvement in the quality of life. Following the announcement, Ljubljana's mayor Zoran Janković described the title as I bid you a warm welcome to our city, the a great honour and a joy, and stated that European Green Capital 2016! he was extremely proud of the sustainable achievements of everyone in Ljubljana, since Nataša Jazbinšek Seršen, not only are we taking excellent care of the Head of the Department for Environmental most beautiful city in the world, we also Protection showed in Copenhagen that the sustainable projects of a green Ljubljana can serve as an example to many other European cities. This European award has placed us among the

44 Green Capital of Europe 2016